Cheap Fun: 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The Question

Say I throw numbers 8, 214, 715 and 755 at you, and ask you to find a connection between them? You’d probably raise your eyebrows and give me a long and clueless stare. I’m well aware of that, so let me help you out a bit because these numbers have everything to do with the new 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Eight is denoted by the number of cylinders stacked in a V configuration, displacing a total of 376 cubic inches once all cylinders make a full rotation. Internally coded LT5, the LT4 based small-block Chevy is a vastly revised 2019 edition of the 29-year old engine that packs a powerful punch. A punch equal to the power of 755 horses and 715 lb-ft of torque that gets pushed out at the crank.

More ZR1

Compared to the previous gen ZR1, the mighty 650 hp C6 ZR1, the new C7 ZR1 has about 117 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque more, meaning that it’s even faster. Put your foot down to release the power of the 2.65 liter Eaton supercharged LT5, and you’ll be propelled to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.

Image credit: Road and Track.com

Stomp the accelerator even more, and soon enough you be greeted by the number 214 displayed behind the carbon and Alcantara steering wheel, letting you know that you reached top speed.

For the year 2019, Chevrolet decided to make the C7 the first ZR1 that can be had with an automatic gearbox. Don’t worry though; you can still attach a 7-speed manual trans to the car if you prefer. However, I’m sure that the smooth 8-speed gearbox will help with the mpg, especially once combined with the electronic shut-off of the supercharger.

Aesthetics

Looking back into the past at previous ZR1 editions of the Corvette, you’ll notice that they looked notably different than the run of the mill units. Chevy knows that as well, so the new 2019 Corvette ZR1 sports a couple of interesting exterior features.A fact that some people may not know about the previous gen ZR1 is that a bunch of customers didn’t like the see-through engine cover, as they thought it looked, well, cheap. For that to not happen again, Chevy decided to switch things up and use carbon-fiber instead. To make things even more special, the carbon cover moves along with the engine as the massive torque moves it, making it Chevrolet’s first ever ‘shaker’ hood.

Image credit: Hot Rod.com

Harnessing The Beast

The notable jump in power and speed is tamed with the improved downforce package that comes in two variations and works flawlessly with the magnetic suspension to harness the beast. Depending on whether you’re chasing miles or grip, you can choose between the 214 mph capable Low Wing package or the 950 pounds of downforce High Wing package. Both packages are a part of the ZTK Performance Package, which also features a redesigned frontal area.

Image credit: motor1.com

The aggressive front houses a shiny carbon-fiber splitter, paired to the vertical canards, to help the rear wing and diffuser provide downforce. The new nose also feeds more air to the engine area to help cool off a total of 12 heat exchangers in the manual version or 13 in the automatic, which keep engine temps under control.

The Cockpit

And what about the interior? Well, they changed that up a bit as well, making it more exclusive. There are the carbon mentioned above and Alcantara steering wheel accompanied by more leather found in the full leather interior trim. They decided to throw in a data logger to help you keep track of lap times, while the Bose sound system plays your favorite music while you ride home from the track.

Image credit:motorauthority.com

If you decide to get the optional Sebring Orange Design Package, you’ll also get bronze aluminum interior trim, orange stitching, and seat belts; all matched to the orange calipers and accent stripes on the splitter and rockers.

Cheap Fun

Considering the specs of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and it’s announced price of $122.095 for the coupe and $126.095 for the convertible, it’s a bargain compared to its class rivals such as the 488 Pista, McLaren 720S and others in the supercar game.

Engineering student in progress with a knack for cars, bikes and tech. In my free time I'm an amateur photographer that believes film is not dead and an occasional 2D/3D artist turning my ideas into virtual reality.